The Brazilian Culture Minister, who represented her country on behalf of President Lula da Silva at the opening ceremony of the GEM, added that "Egypt has always been a premier global destination because of its immense cultural heritage."
Menezes added that Brazil-Egypt relations were elevated to this level last year, during the centenary of diplomatic relations, including an official visit by President Lula to Cairo in February 2024.
Ahram Online (AO): From your discussions in Egypt, how would you describe the current approach to bilateral relations with Egypt?
Menezes: The approach is one of a strategic partnership. Brazil-Egypt relations were elevated to this level last year, during the centenary of our diplomatic relations, including an official visit by President Lula to Cairo in February 2024. My conversations here are building on that strong diplomatic record.
Specifically, we aim to translate this high-level commitment into the cultural sector, which means devising and implementing initiatives that bring Brazilians and Egyptians together. These projects are designed to enrich both our countries through the sharing of knowledge and expertise. A concrete example is the partnership being advanced between our museum institutions, IBRAM and the Grand Egyptian Museum. That is the practical approach we are taking.
AO: Culture often acts as a bridge in international relations. How do you view the opening of the GEM for Egypt in the world tourism map?
Menezes: Egypt has long been a premier global destination due to its immense cultural heritage. This heritage has long attracted not only tourists and researchers but also fostered business and international partnerships.
The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum will powerfully solidify the catalyzing role that culture has always played for Egypt. It is a monumental step that I believe will channel global interest into even greater benefits for the Egyptian people.
AO: In your view, what are the practical economic benefits for Egypt stemming from GEM's presence and for partnerships?
Menezes: An institution of this stature generates a vast economic ecosystem around it, benefiting everything from hospitality to cultural and technological services.
Furthermore, it creates fertile ground for international partnerships in areas such as museum technology, artefact preservation, and academic research.
These are fields where Brazil and other nations can collaborate with Egypt, creating mutual benefits and fostering sustainable, knowledge-based economic growth.
AO: How can your country assist Egypt in leveraging the GEM to attract more international visitors and diversify its tourism offer?
Menezes: The Grand Egyptian Museum is an ideal destination for anyone interested in culture.
The news of its opening is already generating significant interest and motivation for Brazilians to visit. We can further nurture this through partnerships between our cultural and educational institutions. However, the potential extends far beyond Brazil.
As an important hub for South American travel, a direct flight between São Paulo and Cairo would be a game-changer.
I have no doubt that this single connection would automatically translate into hundreds of thousands of travellers from across our continent coming to see the Museum and everything else Egypt has to offer.
AO: The political leadership of the two countries, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and President Lula, have a strong friendship. How does this serve the interests of both countries?
Menezes: I think it's very positive. President Lula da Silva has this ability; he knows how to create multilateral relations. He has a vision of dialogue, of rapprochement, of unity. I was present at the bilateral meeting between President Lula da Silva and President El-Sisi in Brazil, where relations were elevated to a strategic partnership.
I saw that it was a very fruitful meeting. The conversation between them was admirable. It gave me the goodwill to further expand our relations. President Lula invited President El-Sisi to return to Brazil.
During this recent visit, I conveyed a letter from President Lula to President El-Sisi, congratulating him on the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Brazilian Ambassador to Egypt Paulino Franco de Carvalho Neto with Minister Margareth Menezes and AO's Amr Yehia
AO: Finally, Minister, how did you find Cairo during your visit?
Menezes: I was surprised; it was a positive surprise.
Imagine, when we talk about Egypt, we think of ancestry, of ancient peoples, of the pharaohs and so on. I thought Cairo would be a calmer city, but it’s full of activity and life. We always hear many stories about the Nile, but seeing the Nile is a completely different feeling.
It is not just the Nile, it’s the history of the beginning of humanity, and the millennia of civilization around this river. It stands in the middle of modernity, and at the same time, in the middle of civilization.
Moreover, I think it’s the diversity of humanity. I realized that there are many mixed people with vibrant energy, music, and culture.
Brazil, too, is a country of great diversity, with several regions, each with its own expressions, all speaking one language but in different ways.
This is fantastic, and I think it creates a connection. In addition, Brazil itself has many communities from different peoples, and the Arab community is very much present across these regions as well.
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